Speaking at Monday’s Village Board meeting, Police Chief Phil Mattracion reported that the Ellenville Police are getting ready for the two festivals coming up – the Borscht Belt Festival this Saturday and Sunday, and the 35th edition Blueberry Festival on Aug. 10.

Mattracion also cautioned that right now, the inflammatory political rhetoric in the nation has become a cause for alarm. The police will be setting up increased security measures. “We are hoping that nothing happens, but you never know,” Mattracion said. The police will be on watch all day Saturday and, Mattracion added, both state police and county sheriff’s deputies will help.

Farmers’ Market Will Do SNAP

Elena Santogade, wearing her C.O.F.F.E. hat, announced that Market On Market, the farmer’s market held on Wednesday afternoons in the parking area beside Morning Sunshine on Center Street, will be able to take SNAP benefits as of this week. The market runs from 4-7 p.m.

Water Leaks To be Found and Fixed

The Village Board voted to approve $7,650 to be paid to GRRS to cover leak detection proposals. Recent issues with one of the wells and low water pressure in the tank have increased concerns about the state of the village’s 25 miles of water pipes. Leaks will be detected and remedied.

Village Hall’s HVAC Woes

Mayor Evan Trent called for a motion to authorize expenditures of $9,794 and $3,056 to Just Right Mechanical Systems to repair the HVAC system on the roof of the Village Government Center. Trent explained that the system was as old as the building. Of the two compressor units, one had stopped working and the second was limping along. “We have to repair or replace both compressors,” said Trent.

Gazebo Issues Once Again

Debbie Bradford of the Hunt Memorial Committee reported that there have been concerns raised about people sleeping in the gazebo on Route 209/Main Street North. The gazebo has been a perennial problem in this way and the village has cut off the power supply there to stop radios being played and phones being charged. There was previous discussion about taking the gazebo down and either moving it somewhere else or disposing of it. However, the gazebo offers somewhere for UCAT bus travelers to rest while they await the next bus. Trent acknowledged the issues and said the administration was trying to figure out the best approach.

Fire Parade Next July

Frank Bauer appeared on behalf of Ellenville Fire District to seek a date in July 2025 for the Ulster County fire companies to parade in Ellenville. They had initially sought to do this on July 26, 2025; however the Borscht Belt Festival is likely to be held on that date. The fire companies’ parade of gleaming, polished fire engines is held every year at different locations around the county. The fire district and the village will work to come up with an alternate date that works for both.

NAACP Backpacks Are Back

The annual NAACP Backpack fundraiser will be held at Berme Road Park on Saturday, Aug. 17.